The musicians of Orchestra London are anxiously waiting to find out if the city will bailout the struggling organization.
But there's a very good chance they will be disappointed.
Officials are asking the taxpayers for $375,000 to pay for owed salaries, money promised to the Canada Revenue Agency and a bankruptcy lawyer.
But a staff report is recommending councillors deny the request.
The 46 musicians have not been paid since last month, but say there were no red flags heading into December.
"We were told that the situation was under control and people were working very hard on our behalf to see to it that the books remained in order, that bills were paid and pay cheques were issued. We put our trust in people who were expected to be professional," says clarinetist Graham Lord. "It's fair to say it came as a surprise to us."
Executive Director Joe Swan resigned after the organization's financial details were released earlier this week.
Orchestra London has been operating with a debt of $932,758. The payments for scheduled concerts were reliant on a pledge donation of $350,000. That deal fell through and concerts were cancelled last weekend.
The musicians tell BlackburnNews.com they hope the city decides to grant the orchestra the money needed.
They have been playing popup concerts across the city since it came to light that the 2015 shows may not happen.
Lord would not say what the future holds for the musicians if Orchestra London is not bailed out by the city.
The organization is already given $500,000 in city funds each year.
Council is expected to make a decision on the request tonight.
